FREQUENT FLYER
Katharine Pooley, interior designer
Founded in 2004, Katharine Pooley is one of the most recognised international interior design studios in the world with offices and boutiques in London and Doha.
Pooley was an investment banker in Hong Kong and Singapore before she returned to London 14 years ago. Her keen eye for design and a passion for collecting and creating beautiful objects led her to open a small boutique in Knightsbridge selling accessories, bespoke furniture and artworks. Today, her company employs a team of over 45 interior designers and architects to provide architectural, interior and product design, as well as property development.
An innate sense of adventure coupled with a love of travel have defined Pooley’s life and shaped her design philosophy. “My vision has always been about finding that ultimate balance between timeless luxury and a tailored, intelligent design,” shares Pooley. “My extensive travels have shaped my unique design aesthetic and continue to inspire me. I have visited over 150 countries and draw inspiration from everything I have seen and experienced — beauty in the natural world; unique and unexpected colour combinations or craftsmanship; and finishes found in unlikely corners of far flung countries. I am always on the lookout for the new and the extraordinary, as my design philosophy is that true luxurious design is unique and rare. I never repeat my work and every client gets an entirely new design”.
How did the opening of an office in Doha come about?
I was asked to create a villa in Doha for a family who admired my portfolio and was familiar with my London boutique. The head of this family totally believed in my vision for the space and supported me in creating a groundbreaking and beautiful interior. The project was such a success he became my business partner and I have since been commissioned to undertake more private family homes and palaces in the region, including Dubai, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. I love to travel to Doha; the Qataris have welcomed me with open hearts. What have some of your favourite projects been?
I have worked on some incredible projects all over the world, but standout examples include a futuristic luxury hotel in Shaoxing, a rich and ornate palatial private villa in Kuwait, contemporary beach houses in Hong Kong, Cape Town and Dubai, and castles and chalets across Europe and America. Renovating Forter Castle, my family’s Scottish home originally built in 1560, was an early favourite as I worked closely with my father to restore it. From a complete ruin, it’s now a beautiful, luxurious castle available as the perfect romantic wedding backdrop. I also created a modern, light-flooded masculine urban retreat as the interior of a penthouse in Singapore for a returning client who’s been with me for a decade now. His love of sleek detailing and richly textured contemporary finishes, such as resin, ebonised timber, bronze, gesso and leather, was the perfect complement to the large scale artworks from his private collection.
Where do you usually buy art for yourself and your clients?
I keep an eye on all the main auction houses. Christie’s is a personal favourite. There are some terrific galleries (in Mayfair especially) that curate pieces by unknown, upcoming and established artists. Tornabuoni Art and Carpenters Workshop Gallery are worth a visit.
What’s left on your professional bucket list?
I would love to work on a private members club. In London, recent additions like 5 Hertford Street and the new Annabel’s have impressive and memorable interiors, and the Soho House group is always interestingly furnished. I know I can create something spectacular along these lines while being completely unique. I would also love to do a safari lodge in Africa.
For the next six months, I will be completing two large private villas in Kuwait, two beach properties on The Pearl-qatar, the largest château in the South of France, a family villa in Kuala Lumpur, an office in Hong Kong, and many city residences in London.
Of all the places you have travelled to, which ranks top for you?
I feel most at home in Asia and it’s my favourite place to return to because of the calm and peace I find there. A trekking trip to Bhutan with my mother was very special. As for the perfect vacation destination, it would have to be Richard Branson’s Necker Island. It’s where I met my husband and it’s the most beautiful romantic spot, with incredible sunsets, pristine beaches and amazing beach parties.
What do you do in your downtime?
I am a keen mountaineer and adventurer, so downtime is kind of an anathema to me. Travel stops me from feeling stagnated and I don’t like to sit still. I have ridden across the Sahara on horseback, walked across Tasmania, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro five times, canoed down the Amazon, been to the North Pole and trained as a helicopter pilot in the name of relaxing activities. And later this year I will be trekking 100km in the South African mountains.
What are some of your must-visit restaurants and watering holes in London?
Daphne’s in Knightsbridge is around the corner from my studio and it’s an old favourite for black truffle pasta. Recently I have enjoyed meeting clients in one of the many bars at Annabel’s – the interior is fantastical, completely mesmerising and best enjoyed with a martini in hand.